Verse of the day: Matthew 20:15-16 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my
own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.
For many are called, but few chosen.”
How often have we heard said, or have we said or
thought, “This just isn’t fair”? We see things happen around us and happen to
us that we deem, based on our own scale of justice, as unfair or unjust. As God’s
children, we will find that God’s scale of justice is much different than ours.
What God deems to be fair is not always going to line up with what we think our
opinion of fair should be. The reason being, first and foremost, that our
thoughts and ways are not God’s thoughts and ways (Is 55:8-9). We are not as
merciful, gracious, patient, longsuffering, or forgiving as God is; therefore,
our judgement of what is fair or not fair will certainly not always line up
with God’s measure. In this parable, workers that had been hired to work in a
vineyard were complaining because the owner had hired a number of men to work
that day, but he paid equal wages to all of them, regardless of when he called
them to work or when they started. Those that had been there most of the day
complained that it was not fair that those who came later were paid the same
wages. Does not the owner of the vineyard have the right to pay whatever he
chooses to pay since it is his vineyard? Did not the workers agree to the wages
offered? How often do we find ourselves questioning why God allowed something
into our lives that was devastating or trying? How often have we cried out to
God that it was not fair that we are doing all we can to live for Him, and
serve Him, but things keep going wrong for us, while those other “Christians” do
not do as much as we do for Him, or those unsaved people who live unholy lives,
seem to have a better life? God has created this world. He is our Creator; and
He is the One who decides what life we will live in service to Him. The Apostle
Paul, although he faithfully served God, and was a great missionary, was chosen
to serve under conditions that would bring him great suffering (Acts 9:16; 2
Cor 11:24-26). When the Apostle Peter inquired with Jesus about the Apostle
John’s fate, Jesus basically responded that it was none of Peter’s business how
Jesus would choose to use John, and that he (Peter) was to simply follow Him
(Jn 21:20-22). God has called us and, for those of us who have accepted His
invitation to receive eternal life, He has chosen for specific purposes that
differ from those of others He has called. Our talents and abilities differ. To
the extent to which He wants to use us, whether it is a ministry that puts us
in the forefront or a ministry that is done quietly and out of sight, will
differ. Regardless of which it is, it is important; not based on human measure,
but simply based on the fact that the assignment came as the result of a
heavenly call. For this reason we must carry out our duties in serving the Lord
without complaining about how much more someone else has been chosen to do or
how much more they are being blessed. We must take our eyes off of that other
person that seems to be suffering less in comparison to us, who are trying our
best to serve God, but keep coming up against obstacles and hard times. Sadly,
too many of us choose to walk away from what God has called us to because we
have gotten discouraged by what we observe in someone else’s life that appears
(on the surface) to be better than our lot in life. Some have taken on
ministries in an attempt to put themselves in the limelight when they were not
chosen for that, only to fall flat, experience great disappointment, and walk
away from serving God. Yet others are warming pews and performing their weekly
duty of attending a worship service every week, and being convinced that they
have nothing to offer just because God has not called them to be a pastor, a
Bible teacher, missionary or some other “position in ministry of status”. Well,
I have a wake-up call for each of us; God has called each of us to serve Him by
sharing the Gospel message with others (Mark 16:15). He has chosen each of us
to carry out some sort of service for the sake of the Kingdom and the Gospel
(in being kind to others and minister to those He puts before us who have
needs). It may not be a ministry that we think is making, or is going to make,
a great impact, but I believe that we will all be surprised what great rewards
there will be for some of the seemingly least of ministries. God, in His infinite
wisdom, has chosen some to do great things, and suffer greatly, for His sake
and glory, while choosing others to lesser duties; yet duties that will yield
great rewards if carried out faithfully in the Name of Jesus. Is it not God’s prerogative
to choose how He will use each of us and what reward we will receive? God
rejected Israel because of their unbelief and rejection of the Messiah, and
brought in the Gentiles to spread the Gospel message and now receive the
rewards of eternal life that was originally offered to them. He used Pharaoh’s
rejection to show His power, and glorify Himself as God. Was this not His right
as God (Rom 9:14-29). Before we start complaining about the life God has chosen
for us, let us stop and remember that He is Creator of all things and all
persons. He, as the Potter, has the right to choose how He will use His vessels
(us), and what rewards we will receive for the service He chooses for us. Let
us serve Him with singleness of mind, in unity, not envying one another, but
being of one accord, and being steadfast in our service to God, through
whatever trials He chooses to bring us through, all for His glory.
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